By:Aurora Tower

One of America's most beautiful, and best kept, secrets is the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller sailed through and declared it one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. He purchased roughly 15,000 acres of land and donated it to the federal government to be turned into the Virgin Islands National Park. As a result, the islands white sandy beaches remain pristine and the local population is still a cozy 5,000. A visit to one of the island's rental villas or to Caneel Bay, the resort Rockefeller started on this site of his own holiday home, will take you back in time to the old Caribbean.

The beaches within the National Park, including Cinnamon Bay and the world famous Trunk Bay, will surely be where you want to spend most of your time, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Call Crabby's to organize for a private sailboat to take you out on the waters to enjoy some snorkeling with the local rays and sea turtles.

Cruise over and spend the day in sleepy Coral Bay, the smaller of the island's two towns, where you can buy beautiful handmade leather bags and belts at Awl Made Here, then stop by Shipwreck Landing to enjoy killer views with the island's best frozen cocktails. Another secret gem on this side of the island is Ms. Vie's Beach out on the East End, where you can kick back in lounge chairs on the beach and enjoy fried chicken and Johnny Cakes, a local West Indian favorite meal, whipped up by Ms. Vie herself.

Most of the nightlife is in Cruz Bay, St. John's main town, which is also known affectionately as "Love City". Treat yourself to a first rate dinner at La Tapa, where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dined last time they were on the island, then head upstairs to play darts and drink at The Quiet Mon Pub, the late night destination of choice for locals and visitors alike.